Animal welfare group SAFM condemned an alleged dog run-over incident in Johor and called for action under the Animal Welfare Act 2015.
PETALING JAYA: Stray Animal Foundation Malaysia (SAFM) has called for an immediate and transparent investigation into an alleged act of cruelty involving a dog that was reportedly run over by a vehicle in Ulu Tiram, Johor, last week.
SAFM president Kalaivanan Ravichandran said the organisation was “seriously concerned” and strongly condemned the incident, which allegedly took place on May 15 at 11.24am along Jalan Jejawi/Jenawi 13 in Taman Puteri Wangsa, Ulu Tiram.
According to videos and information circulating publicly, a red vehicle bearing the registration number JUH 7613 was allegedly involved in the incident.
He said there were also public allegations suggesting that the vehicle or individual involved may have been linked to a contractor, subcontractor, agent or municipal-related activity, adding that such claims must be urgently verified through a proper investigation.
“No animal, including stray animals, should be subjected to cruelty, reckless treatment or intentional harm,” Kalaivanan said.
He stressed that any form of animal control must be conducted strictly in accordance with the law, proper procedures and humane standards.
He urged the relevant authorities, including the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Johor, the police and the Johor Bahru City Council, to immediately launch a full investigation under the Animal Welfare Act 2015 and other relevant legislation.
Among the actions sought by the organisation are the identification of the driver, vehicle owner and any party responsible for the use of the vehicle at the time of the incident, as well as confirmation on whether those involved had links to any council-appointed contractor, subcontractor, agent or animal-control operation.
The organisation also called for all evidence to be preserved and secured, including dashcam footage, CCTV recordings, photographs, eyewitness accounts, vehicle records, contractor appointment documents, work orders, GPS records and any documentation relating to the removal of the dog’s body.
He further urged authorities to suspend any related animal-control work involving the alleged party pending investigations, should any official or contractor link be established.
He also called for transparent public updates on the outcome of the investigation and any enforcement action taken.
At the same time, he encouraged members of the public who witnessed the incident or possess original evidence to lodge formal reports with DVS and the police.
“Public anger is understandable, but justice must be pursued through lawful and evidence-based channels,” he said.
He stressed that SAFM does not support threats, harassment or vigilante action against any individual.
Kalaivanan said the incident highlighted a broader and urgent issue surrounding stray animal management in Malaysia, calling for reforms to ensure local authorities and appointed contractors adhere to humane standards, proper training, transparent procedures and strict accountability.
“Cruelty must never be accepted as part of animal-control work,” he said.
SAFM said it would continue monitoring the case and called for firm enforcement action should any wrongdoing be proven.
